Free Shield of Fire (A Bringer and the Bane Novel) by Boone Brux Page A

bathtub.
    “That’s amazing.” Ravyn walked to the tub and stretched out her arm. Warm water poured over her fingers. She smiled at the girls. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    “The inn is built near Dragon Springs so we always have a supply of hot water, my lady,” the older of the two girls explained. “When it’s full, just pull the lever back and the flow will stop.”
    The girls curtsied and left.
    Within minutes, the tub brimmed, steaming and hot. Rhys shut off the water.
    “I believe this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” She sighed at the thought of washing the filth from her body. “I may need your help with my dress, but you’ll close your eyes, yes?”
    “You’re getting ahead of yourself. I need to stitch you before you bathe.”
    She opened her mouth to argue but another knock sounded at the door. Without waiting, the visitor entered. She was the most beautiful woman Ravyn had ever seen. Though middle-aged, the woman radiated vitality. Her glow of health and happiness filled the room. Long blond hair, the color of a pearl, curled around her shoulders, and her vibrant green eyes rivaled the lushest meadow.
    Ravyn pulled the blanket tighter and drifted forward to stand behind Rhys. Maybe his broad shoulders would hide most of the night’s filth and damage.
    “Lord Blackwell, I saw you arrive. Orvis told me the happy news of your marriage.” Her voice was soft and low. Ravyn clung to the blanket. What she wanted most right now was to melt into the wall.
    “Willa, you are as beautiful as ever.” Rhys walked toward the woman, leaving Ravyn exposed. He kissed her on each cheek and turned to Ravyn. “May I present my wife, Lady Romelda Blackwell. Romelda, this is Willa.”
    Ravyn shot Rhys a heated glance. Romelda? Was that the best he could come up with? She leveled a bright smile on Willa. “I’m so happy to meet you.”
    “It’s an honor and a pleasure to have you here, my lady.” Willa reached to take Ravyn’s hand and stopped, her eyes narrowing. “Are you all right?”
    Ravyn’s smile thinned. “Yes, a small accident, but I’m fine.”
    The innkeeper’s gaze darted between her and Rhys, but she made no further comment.
    “Are you Orvis’s wife?” Ravyn said, attempting to change the subject.
    Willa’s suspicious look evaporated and she smiled. “I am.”
    “And all those children are yours?” The idea of this beauty giving birth to so many was inconceivable.
    Willa beamed. “The five oldest are from Orvis’s first wife, Saints rest her soul. And I birthed the youngest five, but all the children are ours.”
    Ravyn imagined she’d beam, too, if she’d delivered five babies. Still, ten children in all. It seemed a bit excessive. And though she liked Orvis, she couldn’t imagine him as Willa’s lover. She blushed. When had such wicked thoughts crept into her head?
    Willa held out a pile of serviceable items to her. “I’ve brought you a change of clothes. Orvis said you were traveling light.”
    While living in the abbey she’d helped the needy. Now she was the needy. This change of station didn’t sit well with her. “Thank you, but I can’t accept.”
    “Nonsense. We have more than enough. Besides, we’ll tack it onto your husband’s charges.” She laid the clothing on the bed. “Now, Lord Blackwell, I believe there are some lovely refreshments waiting for you downstairs. Why don’t you go and enjoy them while I help your wife bathe?”
    Ravyn sputtered, her swelling protests only outdone by Rhys’s. What if Willa saw her injuries? First, she’d ask questions, and then throw Rhys and her out. Though being alone with Rhys made Ravyn uncomfortable, at least he knew of her wounds and she wouldn’t be forced to explain.
    “Hush, now.” Willa pushed Rhys toward the door. “I’ll see to these duties.”
    “We appreciate your kindness.” He planted his feet to stop his expulsion. “But I’d like to tend to my wife.”
    Willa laid her